Exam 1

Question 1

Discuss the Advantages and Disadvantages of Taylor’s Scientific Management

Answer 1

Advantages:
-The standardization of work
-The systematic study of work
-Linked performance and pay
-Improved productivity
Disadvantages:
-Didn’t appreciate the social contexts of work and higher needs of workers
-Didn’t acknowledge variance among individuals
-Tended to regard works as uninformed and ignored their ideas and suggestions

Question 2

Name the Five Dimensions of the general environment and describe each one

Answer 2

Technological
-Scientific and technological advancements
Sociocultural
-Demographic characteristics, norms, customs, and values
International
-Originated in foreign countries, but offer americans jobs
Legal-Poltical
-Local, State and Federal Regualtions
Natural
-All the elements that occur naturally on the earth

Question 3

Describe the 4 management functions

Answer 3

Planning
-Defining your future goals and how to reach them
Organizing
-Assigning tasks and delegating authority
Leading
-Using influence to motivate employees
Controlling
-Monitor activities and make corrections

Question 4

Discuss the difference between the case view, the universalist view, and the contingency view

Answer 4

The case view says that each situation is unique, but the universalist view is the exact opposite. Contingency is the combination of both case and universalist.

Question 5

Briefly discuss the relationship between management skills and management level

Answer 5

Conceptual and human skills become more important as you go up through management, while technology goes down.

Question 6

Briefly describe systems theory, including synergy

Answer 6

A system composed of a number of interrelated subsystems that include: people, technology, structure and goals. Synergy means that as a group they can produce more than they could individually.

Question 7

Name one of the two dimensions that organizations with high-performance cultures emphasize

Answer 7

Cultural Values
or
Business performance

Question 8

Describe the 3 categories of managerial roles and explain how they differ.

Answer 8

Informational
-Used to maintain and develop an information network
Interpersonal
-Relationships with others (related with human skills)
Decisional
-Relate to events in which a manager has to make choices

Question 9

What are the three basic strategies for dealing with increased uncertainty with respect to customers, competitors, suppliers, or government regulations

Answer 9

• Boundary spanning roles
• Mergers/joint ventures
• Interorganizational partnerships

Question 10

The writings of Fayol, Taylor, and Weber provide the foundation for modern management. Identify the school of thought associated with each writer and compare the focus that each writer takes in relation to the organization

Answer 10

Fayol- Associated with the administrative school which focuses on the manager level
Taylor- Associated with scientific management which focuses on the work level
Weber-Associated with the bureaucratic model which focuses on the organizational level